After more than a year of planning and millions spent buying up vacant buildings, the city now has a proposal that includes construction of a new complex housing a municipal court and other offices to serve both Linden and neighboring Roselle.

Linden Mayor Richard Gerbounka and Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley on Wednesday will discuss a proposal for a municipal complex along St. Georges Avenue that could house a municipal court for both municipalities, as well as other municipal offices and a new Linden police headquaters.The Star-Ledger

LINDEN — In the late 1990s, the city designated a two-block area along St. Georges Avenue for redevelopment.

After more than a year of planning and millions spent buying up vacant buildings, the city now has a proposal that includes construction of a new complex housing a municipal court and other offices to serve Linden and neighboring Roselle.

Although the project is years from completion, the mayors of both municipalities on Wednesday will outline plans for the proposed Linden Social Justice Complex.

He views the complex, proposed for a 3.25-acre tract on St. Georges Avenue, as a possible anchor for redevelopment in an area stretching from East Baltimore Avenue to Charles Street.

"That would give vitality to that whole neighborhood," Gerbounka said.

As configured, the complex would also house a new police headquarters for Linden, as well as emergency management offices for both Linden and Roselle.

"I totally support it. We've been working on it for about a year," said Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley.

The plans also include an urgent care center and dialysis overseen by an area hospital.

Both mayors will be at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Linden Multi-purpose Center, 1025 John St.

During the past few years, Gerbounka said, Linden has spent about $5.5 million buying up properties between Baltimore Avenue and Charles Street, from St. Georges Avenue east one block to Union Street. The city, working through the county improvement authority, now owns all but one property, he said.

Linden has been working with Division of Local Planning Services in the state Department of Community Affairs to create a development plan.

The city also had assistance from the New Jersey Institute Technology School of Architecture and Design in Newark when a faculty member and students worked on plans for the complex.